The case of the disappearing dot

I recently acquired a Browning Buckmark and put a Millet 1x20 dot on it. I went and got it sighted in off a sand bag but it was a very sunny day and even @ power level 11 the dot was hard to see. After getting it sighted in I started practicing but would lose the dot often during recoil. If I could not pick it back up I had to point to a shady spot or the ground closer to me and pick it up then follow it back onto the target. So how do I keep track of my dot or what might I be doing incorrectly? Thanks

Change battery.
Clean/tighten battery contacts.
Get 1" Ultradot.

Have the lens shade screwed on.
Can you shoot so the scope is in the shade?

I agree with Jack H.  I have had similar issues in the past.

Change the battery (low voltage will cause the dot to dim)
Check the battery contacts (which, if they are loose, will cause you to lose the dot after recoil)

Use regular old rubbing alcohol and a Q-Tip to clean the battery contacts.  DO NOT use electrical contact cleaner (usually an aerosol), it can eat plastic.

If you are using CR2032 batteries, go to the local dollar store and get a pack of battery powered LED tea-lamps.  They use, and include the 2032 battery and can usually be bought for $1 a pair.  Cheap way to get batteries.

Replace the Millet with an UltraDot--That's a common problem with the millets and other off-brands.  The brightness adjustment seems to not be consistent from unit to unit.  They all have 11 steps on the dial, but some millet scopes never get bright enough for outdoors shooting in the sun, but are plenty bright for indoors.
A new UltraDot is lifetime guaranteed.
www.larrysguns.com
or
www.champchoice.com
are my favorite places to buy them.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I checked the battery holder and the cap was slightly loose so that may have been some of it, probably user error not getting it snug before heading to the range. So since I had it out I was practicing my NPOA and I couldn't find the dot. I could see the glow in the tube so I knew it was on but where was the dot? It appears you have to get these things lined up just right to be able to see them. Who woulda thought about that. So now I know I need to practice on my stance and NPOA to even be able to see the dot. I have found my first hurdle to overcome. Yeah, that didn't take long.

I would also check your wrist.  If you are doing it right the dot should come back to where you started without having to search for it even in bright light.  If you are limp wristing it could be anywhere.

Scott

SMBeyer wrote:I would also check your wrist.  If you are doing it right the dot should come back to where you started without having to search for it even in bright light.  If you are limp wristing it could be anywhere.

Scott

Absolutely,    Think about holding the gun with your shoulder and entire arm.  I know the recoil of a 45 will cause a new shooters wrist to "break". But there should not be any wrist movement shooting a .22.  Moving your wrist to locate the dot is a hard habit to break.   Best to get a good dot, and find a grip that removes that temptation.

Schaumannk wrote:

SMBeyer wrote:I would also check your wrist.  If you are doing it right the dot should come back to where you started without having to search for it even in bright light.  If you are limp wristing it could be anywhere.

Scott

Absolutely,    Think about holding the gun with your shoulder and entire arm.  I know the recoil of a 45 will cause a new shooters wrist to "break". But there should not be any wrist movement shooting a .22.  Moving your wrist to locate the dot is a hard habit to break.   Best to get a good dot, and find a grip that removes that temptation.

I think that is more of what Im doing wrong. Doing my stance and hold training I notice I always have to search for the dot when I first pull it up. I have to roll my wrist inward a little to find the dot. I just got some wood grips put on instead of the stock rubbers so I'll need to work on getting a consistent grip. I have large hands so it may take some tinkering to get it right for me. Thanks